Main Entry: ger·on·toc·ra·cy

Pronunciation: \ˌjer-ən-ˈtä-krə-sē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural ger·on·toc·ra·cies

Etymology: French gérontocratie, from géronto- geront- + -cratie -cracy

Date: 1830

: rule by elders; specifically : a form of social organization in which a group of old men or a council of elders dominates or exercises control

— ge·ron·to·crat \jə-ˈrän-tə-ˌkrat\ noun

— ge·ron·to·crat·ic \-ˌrän-tə-ˈkra-tik\ adjective